Volume measurement of the vitrectomised eye and its applications in practice.

PURPOSE

To estimate the vitreous cavity replacement volume after pars plana vitrectomy and analyze its correlation with axial length and refractive error.

METHODS

Observational cross-sectional study on 103 eyes undergoing vitrectomy. Fluid-air exchange was performed using a soft-tip cannula connected to a PVC tubing, the distal end of which opened into a 10-cc syringe without the plunger. The collected fluid was measured (and correction factors applied) to estimate the vitreous cavity volume.

RESULTS

The mean axial length of 103 eyes was 23.43 ± 1.54 mm. The mean vitreous cavity volume was 4.46 ± 0.83 mL (2.8-8.1 mL). There was a strong positive correlation between axial length and vitreous volume, which was stronger for pseudophakic and aphakic groups than for phakic groups.

CONCLUSION

Accurate assessment of vitreous cavity volume can enable precise quantification of tamponade, intravitreal drugs, and intravitreal chemotherapeutic agents. This will allow better surgical outcomes, decreased toxicity, and increased cost-effectiveness due to lesser wastage.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the vitreous cavity replacement volume after pars plana vitrectomy and analyze its correlation with axial length and refractive error.